Iceland's president in Kadriorg Rose Garden: children already know how to show us the way

Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir spoke in Tallinn's Kadriorg Rose Garden on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Estonia's restoration of independence, congratulating the Estonian people and expressing joy at marking the friendship between the two nations. She noted Estonia's impressive development from a free land into a successful, dynamic society rich in opportunity.

The president said that in recent days she and Estonian President Alar Karis had discussed several current topics, including security, democracy, education, artificial intelligence and equality. She noted that Iceland has been advancing gender equality for decades, and experience shows that supporting talent benefits everyone, making society stronger, smarter and more resilient.

Next goal: equality between generations

Tómasdóttir said she is increasingly convinced that the next major goal of our era is achieving equality between generations. This means not merely listening to young people, but trusting them, investing in them, and fully involving them in shaping the very future that awaits them.

She said she clearly sees this mindset in Estonia — in the curiosity and self-confidence fostered among participants of the Unicorn Squad program, in significant investment in education, and in a widely felt commitment to giving every child the chance to realize their potential through education, diverse opportunities and innovation.

The president compared society to a garden that blooms when tended patiently, supporting new shoots while protecting what has already taken root. She expressed hope that the friendship between Estonia and Iceland will continue to flourish in the same spirit, and thanked those present for the chance to mark this significant date together.